Infant's recovery a 'waiting game' after wreck

Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 10:09 p.m.

Family members say an infant seriously injured in a head-on collision Monday is showing some signs of progress as doctors try to determine the extent of his brain injury.

Heather Bradburn Stepp, a 26-year-old mother of three, was heading into town for lunch and driving down Kanuga Road in Hendersonville with her 6-month-old son, Ely, strapped in a car seat when their SUV was struck.

N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Corbin said a Chevy pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed into the front of Stepp's SUV near London Road at about 12:15 p.m.

The force of the impact left baby Ely in critical condition. He remained in Mission Hospital's Prenatal Intensive Care Unit Tuesday night.

“Right now, we're just playing a waiting game,” said Kim Crank, Stepp's cousin. “They've cut the baby's sedation and pain meds to see if they can get any response and he did move a little, which we're told is a good sign.”

Stepp's uncle, J. Michael Edney, said in an email to the Times-News that Ely has a broken left leg, slight laceration of his liver, skull fracture and whiplash-type injury to the lower part of his brain where the nerves come together.

“The brain injury is the major focus and the doctors are unsure yet as to the extent of the injury. The area most severely injured affects his motor skills and sight,” Edney said. “He has remained stable thus far with no brain swelling. The doctors will be reducing the medicines to allow Ely to start waking up. Then they will be able to determine the longterm effects from the wreck. They are also concerned about the effects of any lack of oxygen he may have had during the time immediately after the wreck.

“Again, only time will tell. The doctors are optimistic that Ely will likely survive!”

Both drivers were transported to the hospital in serious condition, according to Valley Hill Fire and Rescue Chief Tim Garren. Heather Stepp's condition was listed as fair Tuesday night.

“Heather has two broken feet in addition to her crushed left ankle. Her right elbow may also be broken,” Crank said Tuesday. “They will scan it later today and operate and put pins in it tonight or tomorrow if needed. They are saying she won't walk again without pain and possibly assistance.”

Edney said his niece underwent surgery on her left foot Monday night. “There was substantial bone loss and she will require several surgeries in the future,” he added.

Later Tuesday afternoon, with the right amount of pain medication, Stepp was “finally resting,” Crank said. “Right now, we're just asking for continued prayers.”

Around 8 p.m., Stepp was finally able to see her son, who was given an encouraging report.

“They do feel he will pull through, but we just have no idea how much damage might have been done to his brain,” Crank said.

Dozens of messages of support have been posted on Stepp's Facebook page and the Times-News' online story at BlueRidgeNow.com. Many people offered prayers, including those who said they have never met the family.

Stepp, a 2005 graduate of East Henderson High School, is a familiar face at Hot Dog World, where she works as a cashier.

“We are so very grateful to the good Samaritans who stopped to help Heather and Ely at the scene,” Edney said. “Without God guiding their hearts and actions, we would not be standing beside Ely, holding his small hand and encouraging his recovery.”

Family members said they were also grateful for the staff at Pardee Hospital, Mission Hospital, the MAMA helicopter crew and the “many, many strangers and friends who have lifted Heather and Ely up in prayer.”

“Knowing the extensive cost yet to come and knowing that Heather will be unable to work indefinitely, we are going to open an account with the Local and State Government Employee's Credit Union to allow anyone who wishes to contribute to do so,” Edney said. The account will be called the Heather and Ely Fund.

Corbin said he did not know why the truck veered over the center line. The accident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.

<p>Family members say an infant seriously injured in a head-on collision Monday is showing some signs of progress as doctors try to determine the extent of his brain injury.</p><p>Heather Bradburn Stepp, a 26-year-old mother of three, was heading into town for lunch and driving down Kanuga Road in Hendersonville with her 6-month-old son, Ely, strapped in a car seat when their SUV was struck.</p><p>N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Corbin said a Chevy pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed into the front of Stepp's SUV near London Road at about 12:15 p.m. </p><p>The force of the impact left baby Ely in critical condition. He remained in Mission Hospital's Prenatal Intensive Care Unit Tuesday night.</p><p>“Right now, we're just playing a waiting game,” said Kim Crank, Stepp's cousin. “They've cut the baby's sedation and pain meds to see if they can get any response and he did move a little, which we're told is a good sign.”</p><p>Stepp's uncle, J. Michael Edney, said in an email to the Times-News that Ely has a broken left leg, slight laceration of his liver, skull fracture and whiplash-type injury to the lower part of his brain where the nerves come together.</p><p>“The brain injury is the major focus and the doctors are unsure yet as to the extent of the injury. The area most severely injured affects his motor skills and sight,” Edney said. “He has remained stable thus far with no brain swelling. The doctors will be reducing the medicines to allow Ely to start waking up. Then they will be able to determine the longterm effects from the wreck. They are also concerned about the effects of any lack of oxygen he may have had during the time immediately after the wreck. </p><p>“Again, only time will tell. The doctors are optimistic that Ely will likely survive!”</p><p>Both drivers were transported to the hospital in serious condition, according to Valley Hill Fire and Rescue Chief Tim Garren. Heather Stepp's condition was listed as fair Tuesday night.</p><p>“Heather has two broken feet in addition to her crushed left ankle. Her right elbow may also be broken,” Crank said Tuesday. “They will scan it later today and operate and put pins in it tonight or tomorrow if needed. They are saying she won't walk again without pain and possibly assistance.”</p><p>Edney said his niece underwent surgery on her left foot Monday night. “There was substantial bone loss and she will require several surgeries in the future,” he added.</p><p>Later Tuesday afternoon, with the right amount of pain medication, Stepp was “finally resting,” Crank said. “Right now, we're just asking for continued prayers.”</p><p>Around 8 p.m., Stepp was finally able to see her son, who was given an encouraging report.</p><p>“They do feel he will pull through, but we just have no idea how much damage might have been done to his brain,” Crank said.</p><p>Dozens of messages of support have been posted on Stepp's Facebook page and the Times-News' online story at BlueRidgeNow.com. Many people offered prayers, including those who said they have never met the family.</p><p>Stepp, a 2005 graduate of East Henderson High School, is a familiar face at Hot Dog World, where she works as a cashier. </p><p>“We are so very grateful to the good Samaritans who stopped to help Heather and Ely at the scene,” Edney said. “Without God guiding their hearts and actions, we would not be standing beside Ely, holding his small hand and encouraging his recovery.”</p><p>Family members said they were also grateful for the staff at Pardee Hospital, Mission Hospital, the MAMA helicopter crew and the “many, many strangers and friends who have lifted Heather and Ely up in prayer.”</p><p>“Knowing the extensive cost yet to come and knowing that Heather will be unable to work indefinitely, we are going to open an account with the Local and State Government Employee's Credit Union to allow anyone who wishes to contribute to do so,” Edney said. The account will be called the Heather and Ely Fund.</p><p>Corbin said he did not know why the truck veered over the center line. The accident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.</p><p>Reach Weaver at emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>